Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), immediate past chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa, issued the following statement after a Tuesday attack on a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya, killed at least 14:

“I am saddened and appalled by yesterday’s terror attack on civilians in Nairobi, Kenya.  Among the reported victims are one American citizen and two Somali staff members of the United States Agency for International Development. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.  The Islamist group al Shabaab has admitted culpability, and must be held to account.  We encourage the Kenyan authorities to remain vigilant, and we reaffirm our resolve to rid the world of these ruthless killers who target innocents.”